John Walker begins selling the Lucifer friction match (1827–1829)

John Walker, an English chemist and pharmacist in Stockton-on-Tees, invented the first commercially successful friction match. While experiments likely occurred in 1826, the first recorded sale was on 7 April 1827. Walker marketed these items as 'friction lights' rather than 'Lucifers,' selling them until competitors replicated his product, leading to the cessation of production by 1830.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. John Walker was born in Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, England, in 1781. He worked as a chemist and pharmacist, developing an interest in creating fire easily for local hunters. His experiments with chemical matches led to the invention of the first practical friction match, which he initially recorded as 'sulphurata hyperoxygenata frict.'

Invention and Sale. The exact date of the invention is uncertain, possibly 1826, but the first extant record is a sale note dated 7 April 1827. Walker sold these items in his shop at 59 High Street. He did not secure a royal patent, believing the invention should be a public benefit, and sold them for one shilling per tin.

Marketing and Competition. Walker renamed his product 'friction lights' or 'attrition lights,' never using the term 'Lucifer.' The invention was publicized by Michael Faraday in 1829. However, competitors like Samuel Jones replicated the product, causing Walker to cease production by 1830. Isaac Holden also produced an improved version in 1829.

People involved

Sources

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